Nolinor Aviation (N5, Montréal Trudeau) has announced it would restore its B737-200 fleet to the full pre-pandemic size, as the type is uniquely well-positioned to serve the thriving mining sector in the northern Nunavut territory.

"The consensus among aviation experts is clear - the B737-200 remains the optimal choice for serving the challenging northern regions. During the pandemic, we strategically adjusted our fleet size, but we are now returning to our previous capacity. This reinstatement is a testament to our commitment to the North and our confidence in the B737-200's capabilities," President Marco Prud’Homme said.

The ch-aviation fleets module and ADS-B data analysis show that the airline currently operates four B737-200s, including one in full-freighter configuration based out of Yellowknife, and the remainder convertible QCs. Two more were recently ferried to Montréal Mirabel for maintenance. Prud'Homme told ch-aviation that C-GNLN (msn 23050) is scheduled to return to service in mid-March 2024, while C-GTUK (msn 23049) should be flying again by the end of February 2024.

"Our 737-200 fleet primarily serves the mining sector, offering combi flights that are well-suited for destinations with gravel runways, underscoring our commitment to supporting the industry's unique transportation needs," Prud'Homme said.

The airline said it spent over CAD3 million Canadian dollars (USD2.2 million) on the refurbishment of the aircraft with full support of Boeing over the last seven months. The manufacturer said it was committed to keeping the type airworthy "through the entire life of the fleet". Prud'Homme told ch-aviation in 2021 that the airline would like to keep the -200s flying through the 2040s.

The B737-200 is Boeing's largest gravel-kitted type. This allows it to serve remote destinations in northern Canada with unpaved runways, where other jet types cannot be deployed. Nunavut is currently undergoing a mining boom, partially driven by the rising demand for rare earth minerals needed for the electrification of transport. Communities in the territory are fully reliant on air transport for passenger and cargo movements.

The Canadian airline also operated two passenger-configured B737-200s, but those remain parked. Nolinor Aviation's fleet also comprises one B737-300(QC), three B737-400s, and one B737-800.

Canadian North retired its last B737-200C in May 2023, citing rising maintenance costs.